Illini Zip

I am thinking this is just frustration from a fan base with large expectations and who is dealing with 3 loses and 3 cancellations in the last 6 games. I typically believe in home cooking, but this was not the most egregious example. If anything, I applaud the refs keeping emotions in check with a couple of quick technicals. We can joke about the Akron crowd's overwhelming energy and intimidation factor, but the truth is the Zips dug in and out-played Buffalo the last 45 minutes.

I think the Bowling Green game is Wednesday, December 29th according to GoZips.

But, but, but, but....what about Zip withdrawals? I'm already getting the shakes. I can barely type.

I don't know all of the Covid protocols and maybe this is too aggressive, but it would be nice if the Zips could play Radford on Monday, Dec. 27th. That way both teams could get back into shape before the conference kickoff on the 29th. Radford's schedule mirrors ours in that they are open to play until the 29th also.

Wow, time flies. I must have read something old. Thanks!!

I don't know anything new, but I'm just going to leave this here.

You're right about all of that. I was watching with a smile on my face. Finke is a redshirt Sophomore who sat out last year after transferring from Grand Canyon University. He is where he belongs at the mid-major level, but I bet he has a high ceiling.

I don't know what I was thinking. Brain cramp or something. I just read a single minute of official game time will kill the redshirt opportunity. Who is still eligible to redshirt then, both Johnson and Mitchell?

What is the cut off to save the redshirt? I think you are allowed so many games in the OOC or something like that.

Nice ball movement lately.

I heard on radio before the game that the stadium is set up for hockey. That's why it is so large.

Here is a little trivia. Excuse me if it has already has been said. Coach Groce knows number #24 for Wright State very, very well. Tim Finke with the hair bun is the younger brother to one of Groce's players at Illinois, Michael Finke. Michael Finke was the true stretch 4, effective inside and beyond the arch. And the family was a class act and very involved with the program. Groce was also scouting Tim Finke before he was let go at Illinois.

Solid first half.

Freeman. Now you see me, now you don't. Dunk!!

Nice Clarke. More of that!!

I agree with your point, but I would count the West Virginia game even though it was a charity game. That was still a big crowd and plenty hostile for the stated purpose.

My guess is that he has the help of tutors. Hopefully not the kind of help he would get attending North Carolina.

I guess a win is a win, but we are not there yet. We just are not consistent. And our guards are missing too many lay ups.

I like the ball movement so far.

Tavari Johnson can’t get here fast enough for my liking. Not only did LCJ become a great shooter and leader, but he was the straw that stirred the drink. He wasn’t containable with just one defender so when he drove to the hoop he forced the whole defense to react and open up opportunities for his teammates to exploit. I agree we don’t have that guy right now. But they will improve. Tribble has had his moments lately. And I’m surprised Garvin Clarke hasn’t been more effective driving to the hoop. And I thought Castaneda was a combo guard when I first watched his video and he hasn’t proven me wrong so far. I’m pretty confident the next true lead guard for the Zips will be Tavari next year.

Again, same as the Fordham game. The difference is we brought the fight this time. So good to see.

I was thinking the same thing. Reminds me of the Fordham game where we were soft. We seem to have answered the challenge in this one.

They ran a play and missed the shot. Then fouled Freeman on the rebound with 3 seconds left. Freeman hit both. And then they missed a final prayer shot.

Great game. Better win!!

Wow!!